Handgun illumination device

ABSTRACT

An illumination device for a handgun is disclosed that generally comprises a housing, an illumination device within the housing, and an illumination trigger. The housing can mount to an end of a magazine for a handgun. The illumination trigger can activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is pressed. The illumination device can include an LED or an incandescent light source. In addition, the illumination device can be configured so that the illumination device directs light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun. The illumination device also can be configured so that the illumination device directs light at an angle to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed herein relates generally to the field of illumination devices for handguns. More specifically, the invention relates to a trigger-activated illumination device for a handgun that can be mounted to an end of a handgun magazine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Armed conflicts frequently occur at night in low light situations. Criminals often prefer to commit crime under the cover of darkness to protect their anonymity and to give them the element of surprise. For a handgun user to defend against threats in low light situations, the handgun user must be able to see a target and identify the target as a threat. This identification requires a source of light.

Many handgun users respond to the need for illumination by carrying a flashlight. These handgun users usually hold their handgun in one hand and use the other hand to hold the flashlight. However, this technique has many downsides. First, because these handgun users can only hold the handgun with one hand, they have a less stable grip on their handgun, causing their accuracy to diminish. For example, this technique would prevent the standard two-handed grip commonly utilized by law enforcement officers. Second, it takes these handgun users time to find and deploy their flashlight. During this time these handgun users are not fully defended against the threat of an assailant. Third, these handgun users may not have their flashlight near their handgun at all times, or they may have their flashlight nearby but not be able to locate it in the heat of the moment. Furthermore, these handgun users may have their flashlight nearby in a known location—such as a bedside table—but accidentally knock their flashlight to the floor when trying to retrieve it.

Other handgun users respond to the need for illumination by attaching a light to the barrel of a handgun. However, this technique also has many downsides. For example, barrel-mounted lights generally prevent a handgun from fitting into a holster. In addition, attaching a light to the barrel may interfere with the handgun user's ability to aim the gun by altering the weight of the barrel. Also, barrel-mounted lights frequently are equipped with flashlights that have to be turned on and off using a rear push button. With the flashlight on, the handgun user becomes a target to an assailant until the handgun user can turn the flashlight off.

SUMMARY

Based on at least the foregoing, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that enables a handgun user to hold the handgun with either two hands on the handgun or one hand on the handgun and the other hand free. Furthermore, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that takes a handgun user minimal time to find and deploy. In addition, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that does not disturb the balance of a handgun. Also, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that does not prevent the handgun from fitting into a holster. Furthermore, an illumination device for a handgun is needed that can be quickly turned on and off by the handgun user without taking a hand off of the handgun.

In some embodiments, an illumination device for a handgun comprises a housing configured to mount to a handgun magazine, an illumination device within the housing, and an illumination trigger, wherein the illumination trigger is configured to activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is pressed.

In some embodiments, an illumination device for a handgun comprises a base portion configured to mount to a handgun magazine, a housing connected to the base portion, wherein the housing is rotatable with respect to the base portion, an illumination device within the housing, and an illumination trigger, wherein the illumination trigger is configured to activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is pressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an illumination device for a handgun and a handgun.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an illumination device for a handgun.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an illumination device for a handgun.

FIG. 4 is a front view an illumination device for a handgun.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the illumination device and rotatable adapter knob for an illumination device for a handgun.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an illumination device for a handgun shown mounted to a handgun magazine.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a handgun and a rotatable illumination device for a handgun in which the illumination device is shown in a position to direct light at an angle to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a rotatable illumination device for a handgun in which the illumination device is shown in a position to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate a complete understanding of the disclosure, the remainder of the detailed description describes the disclosure with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are referenced with like numerals throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an illumination device for a handgun and a handgun. As shown in FIG. 1, a handgun 100 includes a handle or grip 110, a handgun trigger 120, a barrel 130, a muzzle 140, a rear sight 150, and a front sight 152. The grip 110 can have an open interior for receiving a magazine through a butt 112 at a base end of the grip. The magazine includes a base portion positioned adjacent the butt 112 of the grip when the magazine is fully inserted into the grip 110. The magazine base portion typically is approximately rectangular in shape.

In some embodiments, an illumination device 200 can be mounted to the base portion of a handgun magazine. When the magazine is fully inserted into the grip 110, the illumination device 200 is attached to the handgun 100 adjacent the butt 112 of the grip. The illumination device 200 can include a housing 210, an illumination trigger 220, an illumination device 230, a rotatable adapter knob 234, and attachment screws 240 and 242.

The housing 210 can provide a secure enclosure for an illumination device 230. For example, the housing 210 should be designed to protect the illumination device 230 in a hostile combat environment. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 210 comprises aluminum.

The housing 210 can include attachment screws 240 for mounting the housing 210 to the base portion of the handgun magazine. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment screws 240 are set screws. The attachment screws 240 pass through holes in the housing 210 and are tightened against the base portion of the handgun magazine. In other embodiments, other structures may be used to mount the housing 210 to the base portion of the handgun magazine, or the two may be integral.

Although the illumination device 200 can be detached from the handgun magazine if needed, preferably the illumination device 200 remains mounted to the base portion of the handgun magazine. After a handgun user empties a magazine of ammunition, the handgun user can remove the magazine from the grip 110 and use the illumination device 200 as a hand-held trigger-activated tactical light, as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination device 200 can include an illumination trigger 220 for turning the illumination device 230 on and off. As a handgun user presses the illumination trigger 220, the illumination device 230 can turn on. As a handgun user releases the illumination trigger 220, the illumination device 230 can turn back off. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the illumination device 230 only remains on when the handgun user holds down the illumination trigger 220. In other embodiments, the illumination device 230 turns on when a handgun user presses down the illumination trigger 220 a first time and remains on until the handgun user presses down the illumination trigger 220 a second time. Alternatively, holding down the illumination trigger 220 could turn the light off.

The sensitivity of the of the illumination trigger 220 to the applied trigger force can be adjusted using the rotatable adapter knob 234. The rotatable adapter knob 234 can be knurled to allow hands or fingers to get a better grip on its surface. As the rotatable adapter knob 234 is turned counter clockwise, an increased trigger force can be required to activate the illumination device 230. An increased trigger force setting can be useful in situations in which the handgun user wishes to avoid accidentally activating the illumination device 230 and revealing the handgun user's location to an adversary.

As the rotatable adapter knob 234 is turned clockwise, a decreased trigger force can be used to activate the illumination device 230. A decreased trigger force setting can be useful when a handgun user wishes to be able to activate the illumination device 230 reliably with minimum applied force. For example, a handgun user frequently may use his or her pinky finger to apply force to the illumination trigger 220. Because the pinky finger does not have as much strength as other fingers, a decreased trigger force setting may be desired. In addition, a decreased trigger force setting allows a handgun user to activate the illumination device 230 with little effort while maintaining precise aim on a target.

In some embodiments, if the handgun user continues to turn the rotatable adapter knob 234 clockwise, the illumination device 230 will turn on and remain on even if the handgun user is not holding the illumination trigger 220. This continuously-on setting may be useful when a handgun user wishes to illuminate a scene for longer periods of time. In addition, the continuously-on setting may be useful when a handgun user wishes to use the illumination device 230 as a distress beacon or to send an SOS signal.

In preferred embodiments, the illumination device 230 can include a twist-type flashlight. The illumination device 230 turns on when an electrical circuit is completed between it and a battery. The battery can be received within a bore in the rotatable adapter knob 234. There are at least two ways in which the electrical circuit can be completed between the illumination device 230 and the battery to turn on the illumination device 230. First, a handgun user can press the illumination trigger 220, thereby physically pressing the illumination device 230 back into the battery until a circuit is completed. An attachment screw 242 secures the illumination device 230 as the illumination trigger 220 is depressed. Second, a handgun user can rotate the rotatable adapter knob 234 clockwise, thereby advancing the battery towards the illumination device 230.

Any type of light source can be provided in the illumination device 230. For example, in preferred embodiments, the illumination device 230 comprises an LED light source. In alternative embodiments, the illumination device 230 comprises an incandescent light source. LED light sources usually shine brighter and consume less power compared with incandescent light sources.

Whether an LED light source, incandescent light source, or other light source is provided, the light source should produce enough light to enable identification of a threat. An advantage to using a light source with higher light output is that the higher light output may stun or blind a target. However, an advantage to using a light source with less light output is that a handgun user may be able to avoid being seen by a target.

In preferred embodiments, the illumination device 230 is a flashlight that conforms to the ANSI/NEMA FL-1 specification and has rated values for light output, runtime, peak beam intensity, beam distance, water resistance, and impact resistance. For example, in some embodiments, the illumination device 230 can be chosen from the following models: the Olight i1, the 4 sevens Quark mini 123, the 4 sevens Quark miniX 123, and the Fenix E15.

The illumination device 230 can include a controller. The controller can enable selection of different illumination modes. For example, illumination device 230 can include a low output mode, a medium output mode, and a high output mode.

In a low output mode, the illumination device 230 can provide a handgun user with enough light to see where he or she is going and to locate objects such as door knobs, but not enough light to make a handgun user the target. In one example of a low output mode, 1.2 lumens of light output are provided. In the low output mode, less light output of the illumination device 230 is provided. However, battery life is longer in the low output mode.

In a medium output mode, the illumination device 230 can provide a handgun user with enough light to see where a potential target is located and to determine whether the potential target is a friend or foe. In one example of a medium output mode, 45 lumens of light output are provided.

In a high output mode, the illumination device 230 can provide a handgun user with blinding light at close range and full illumination at 30 or more feet. In one example of a high output mode, 210 lumens of light output are provided. In the high output mode, the maximum light output of the illumination device 230 can be provided. However, the high output mode results in the shortest battery life of any output mode.

A controller of an illumination device 230 can also enable the selection of other illumination modes. For example, other illumination modes include those that may be useful if a handgun user is wounded, trapped, or just needs assistance. These illumination modes include a strobe mode, an SOS mode, a high beacon mode, and a low beacon mode.

In a strobe mode, the illumination device 230 rapidly blinks on and off, creating a stroboscopic effect. In an SOS mode, the illumination device 230 blinks the international Morse code distress signal comprising three short, three long, and three short light flashes. In a high beacon mode, the illumination device 230 sequentially blinks on and off at a high output mode, but blinks at a reduced frequency compared to the strobe mode. In a low beacon mode, the illumination device blinks sequentially among the high output mode, medium output mode, and low output mode. As such, the low beacon mode conserves more battery power than the high beacon mode.

The illumination device controller can be configured so that a handgun user can switch or rotate between illumination modes by pressing the illumination trigger 220. For example, in one preferred sequence, pressing the illumination trigger 220 causes the illumination device controller to sequence in the following order of illumination modes: (1) a low output mode, (2) a medium output mode, (3) a high output mode, (4) a strobe mode, (5) an SOS mode, (6) a high beacon mode, and (7) a low beacon mode.

In addition, the illumination device controller can be configured so that the sequence of illumination modes are reset whenever the handgun user releases the trigger for more than about a couple of seconds. For example, if a handgun user presses the illumination trigger 220 twice in relatively quick succession, the second press of the illumination trigger 220 can cause the medium output mode to be displayed. However, if a handgun user waits more than a couple of seconds after releasing the illumination trigger 220 before pressing it a third time, the illumination device controller can cause the low output mode to be displayed again, rather than the high output mode. By defaulting to the low power mode, the illumination device controller protects a handgun user from accidentally alerting a target of his or her location by using a higher output mode than intended.

In preferred embodiments, the illumination device 230 utilizes a lithium battery in order to provide high light output intensity and long battery life. For example, a 3V CR123A Lithium battery rated at 1500 mAh may be utilized. In other embodiments, the illumination device 230 may utilize any other type of battery.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an illumination device 200 for a handgun. The illumination device 200 includes a housing 210, an illumination trigger 220, and a rear illumination adaptor ring 234, as shown with respect to FIG. 1. In addition, the illumination device 200 comprises an illumination trigger flexure slot 222, a connector 224, a front illumination adaptor ring 232, and a magazine base adapter portion 250.

The illumination trigger flexure slot 222 comprises a thin region of space between the front of the illumination device 200 and the main body of the housing 210. Although in some embodiments the illumination trigger flexure slot 222 is visible when the illumination device is viewed from a side, the illumination trigger flexure slot 222 does not necessarily have to be visible. The illumination trigger flexure slot 222 provides a space in which the illumination trigger 220 can be pulled back. When pulled back, the illumination trigger can cause the illumination device to contact the battery and turn on.

The connector 224 provides a connection between the front of the illumination device 200 and the main body of the housing 210. The height of the connector 224 should be thick enough so that the illumination device 200 is structurally sound while thin enough so that the illumination trigger 220 can be pulled back.

The front illumination adapter ring 232 provides a protective structure around the front of the illumination device 230. The front illumination adapter ring 232 preferably can be made of metal.

The housing 210 includes a magazine base adaptor portion 250. The magazine base adaptor portion 250 can be fashioned to snugly mate with the base portion of the handgun magazine.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an illumination device 200 for a handgun. Illumination trigger mounting surface 224 is provided where the illumination trigger 220 can be mounted. Alternatively, the illumination trigger 220 can be formed as a single structural piece that extends as part of the housing 210.

Surface 252 is a top surface of the magazine base adapter portion, surface 254 is a side wall of the magazine base adapter portion, and surface 256 is a bottom surface of the magazine base adapter portion. Together, surfaces 252, 254, and 256 are designed to snugly fit with the base portion of the handgun magazine. In some embodiments, clearance slot 260 provides an indentation in surface 256.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an illumination device 200 for a handgun. The front portion of the housing 212 can surround an illumination reflector surface 270. The reflector surface 270 can be varied to provide the desired beam pattern. For example, the reflector surface 270 can be stippled to produce a floody pattern. Alternatively, the reflector surface 270 can be very smooth in order to have a precisely focused beam pattern. In addition, the reflector surface 270 can be mildly stippled to produce a relatively tightly focused beam.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of only the illumination device 230 and rotatable adapter knob 234. The illumination adapter ring 234 comprises a bore which receives a battery. The battery can be positioned to touch or nearly touch the illumination device 230.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an illumination device 200 for a handgun shown mounted to a handgun magazine. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates the illumination device 200 mounted to a handgun magazine 160, but detached from the handgun. In this configuration, the illumination device 200 can be used as a trigger activated tactical light. This configuration can be used when the magazine 160 is empty or loaded, with all of the same features as when the magazine 160 is inserted into the gun. In this configuration, a user could use his or her index finger on the trigger much like a gun.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a handgun and a rotatable illumination device for a handgun in which the illumination device is shown in a position to direct light at an angle to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.

In some embodiments, the illumination device 200 is positioned to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun, as shown in FIG. 1. This configuration, in which anything a handgun user illuminates also has the handgun pointed at it, can be helpful for tactical teams and the military working against enemy occupied areas. However, some handgun users do not necessarily want to point the barrel of the handgun in the direction of potential targets before the target is identified. For example, a civilian investigating a potential target in the living room may prefer to illuminate a potential target before pointing the gun at the target.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rotatable illumination device 300. The rotatable illumination device comprises a housing 310, illumination trigger 320, and illumination device 330 that correspond to the same components in the illumination device 200. The illumination device 300 further comprises a base portion 314 configured to mount to the base portion of a handgun magazine. For example, the base portion 314 can be configured to use set screws to attach to the base portion of a handgun magazine.

In some embodiments, attachment screw 340 serves as a hinge that connects the housing 310 to the base portion 314. This configuration allows the housing to be rotatable between a first position in which the illumination device 330 is configured to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun and a second position in which the illumination device 330 is configured to direct light at an angle to the axis of the barrel of the handgun. In some embodiments, the second position in which the illumination device 330 is configured to direct light is at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the barrel of the handgun.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a rotatable illumination device 300 for a handgun in which the illumination device 330 is shown in a first position to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun. Rotatable adapter knob 234 can be turned so the light is permanently on or off regardless of the use of the illumination trigger 220.

The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An illumination device for a handgun, the illumination device comprising: a housing, wherein the housing is configured to mount to a handgun magazine; an illumination device within the housing; and an illumination trigger, wherein the illumination trigger is configured to activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is manually activated.
 2. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises an LED light source.
 3. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 2, wherein the LED light source is configured to output 200 lumens of light.
 4. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises an incandescent light source.
 5. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises a controller that is configured to enable selection of at least a first light output intensity and a second light output intensity, wherein the first light output intensity and second light output intensity are different.
 6. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises a controller that is configured to enable selection of a beacon mode wherein the illumination device within the housing sequentially blinks on and off.
 7. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device within the housing is configured to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun.
 8. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises aluminum.
 9. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises set screws for mounting the housing to the handgun magazine.
 10. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 1, wherein the illumination device for a handgun further comprises a rotatable adapter knob.
 11. An illumination device for a handgun, the illumination device comprising: a base portion configured to mount to a handgun magazine; a housing connected to the base portion, wherein the housing is rotatable with respect to the base portion; an illumination device within the housing; and an illumination trigger, wherein the illumination trigger is configured to activate the illumination device when the illumination trigger is manually activated.
 12. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 11, wherein the housing is rotatable between a first position in which the illumination device within the housing is configured to direct light parallel to an axis of a barrel of the handgun and a second position in which the illumination device within the housing is configured to direct light at an angle to the axis of the barrel of the handgun.
 13. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the second position in which the illumination device within the housing is configured to direct light is at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the barrel of the handgun.
 14. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises an LED light source.
 15. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 14, wherein the LED light source is configured to output 200 lumens of light.
 16. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises an incandescent light source.
 17. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises a controller that is configured to enable selection of at least a first light output intensity and a second light output intensity, wherein the first light output intensity and second light output intensity are different.
 18. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the illumination device within the housing comprises a controller that is configured to enable selection of a beacon mode wherein the illumination device sequentially blinks on and off.
 19. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the illumination device for a handgun further comprises a rotatable adapter knob.
 20. The illumination device for a handgun of claim 12, wherein the base portion comprises set screws for mounting the base portion to the handgun magazine. 